Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have recorded a significant operational success in Borno State, foiling separate terrorist attacks on two Forward Operating Bases and neutralising four terrorists, while sustained military pressure forced two Jama'atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda'awati wal-Jihad fighters, including a commander, to surrender with their weapons.
The twin attacks occurred on the night of September 17, 2026, targeting FOB Gajiram in Nganzai Local Government Area and FOB Mairari in Guzamala Local Government Area. According to a press statement issued on Friday, September 18, by the Acting Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East, Captain Mohammed Goni, the first attack was detected early by alert troops at Gajiram, who were supported by Multinational Joint Task Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance assets. The troops adopted defensive measures immediately, while the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close air support. Faced with the coordinated ground and air response, the terrorists withdrew from the vicinity of the location into adjoining areas, their attack thwarted before it could gain momentum.
Later that same night, several Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists launched a related attack on FOB Mairari. They were met with stiff resistance from the troops, backed by robust close air support from the Air Component. The assault was successfully contained, with the terrorists suffering casualties as the troops maintained the integrity of the Forward Operating Base. Subsequent exploitation of the area led to the recovery of four terrorists' corpses, several AK-47 rifles, magazines, quantities of ammunition, rocket-propelled grenade bombs, and a camcorder. The recovery of the camcorder is particularly significant, as it may contain footage that could provide intelligence on terrorist activities, training, or propaganda operations.
Troops who sustained injuries during the engagements were promptly stabilised and airlifted to hospital, where they are receiving appropriate medical attention. The swift evacuation of wounded personnel underscores the military's commitment to the welfare of its soldiers, even in the heat of combat. The Commander of Sector 3, Operation HADIN KAI, conducted a post-engagement assessment of the affected locations to evaluate the situation, commend the troops for their vigilance, and coordinate follow-on actions. The locations were subsequently reinforced to consolidate the gains and strengthen the defensive posture, while troops continued exploitation of the general areas to prevent terrorist elements from regrouping.
In a related development, sustained military pressure across the Joint Operations Area yielded further results on the night of September 16, 2026, when two JAS terrorists, including a Qaid, or commander, surrendered to troops of Sector 1 along the Main Supply Route Miyanti-Darel Jamel axis in Bama Local Government Area. The terrorists surrendered with three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, a motorcycle, and a cache of ammunition. They are currently in military custody, undergoing preliminary investigation and profiling in accordance with established procedures. The surrender of a commander and his fighter, along with their weapons, represents a significant blow to the terrorist network's operational capacity and morale. It also signals that the sustained pressure being applied by troops across the theatre is compelling fighters to abandon the insurgency and seek a way out.
The successful defence of the two Forward Operating Bases, the recovery of weapons, and the continued surrender of terrorist elements demonstrate the effectiveness of coordinated ground and air operations in denying terrorists freedom of action and maintaining operational momentum across the Joint Operations Area. The military's ability to detect the attacks early, respond with precision, and then pursue and exploit the gains reflects a level of operational readiness that has been built through sustained investment in intelligence, surveillance, and inter-service coordination.
The Theatre Commander of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, commended the troops, the Multinational Joint Task Force ISR team, and the aircrew for their vigilance, courage, and effective coordination. He reaffirmed the determination of Operation HADIN KAI to sustain operational pressure against terrorist elements and protect communities across the North East. He further urged terrorists still in the bush to lay down their arms and surrender through established channels, while calling on members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security forces.
The attacks on FOB Gajiram and FOB Mairari are part of a broader pattern of attempted assaults on military positions in Borno State, as ISWAP and Boko Haram factions continue to test the resilience of Nigerian troops. In recent weeks, troops have repelled multiple attacks, neutralised dozens of fighters, and recovered significant quantities of weapons and equipment. The surrender of two JAS terrorists on September 16 follows a series of similar surrenders in recent months, including the surrender of a JAS commander and three fighters in late August. These surrenders, combined with the operational successes recorded on the battlefield, suggest that the military's strategy of sustained pressure, intelligence-led operations, and non-kinetic measures is gradually degrading the terrorists' capacity to hold territory and launch coordinated attacks.
For the communities of Nganzai and Guzamala, the foiled attacks bring a measure of relief. The presence of Forward Operating Bases in these areas has been a critical factor in stabilising the security situation and protecting civilians from the kind of mass atrocities that have characterised the insurgency for over a decade. The military's ability to hold its positions and repel attacks is a testament to the courage and professionalism of the troops on the ground, who continue to operate in difficult and dangerous conditions. As the rainy season draws to a close and the dry season approaches, a period that often sees increased military operations and terrorist activity, the successes recorded in Gajiram and Mairari will serve as a morale boost for the troops and a warning to the terrorists that the Nigerian military remains resolute in its mission to restore peace and security to the North East.
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